With the speed and attitude of a blue marlin on the hunt, Valhalla Boatworks has quickly moved from newcomer to a serious contender in the luxury center console market. Launched in late 2019 as a subsidiary of Viking Yachts in New Gretna, New Jersey, Valhalla has expanded its lineup rapidly. In just over a year the company rolled out four models, the newest and flagship model being the V-46 center console.
Viking Yachts, a family-owned builder known for convertibles and motoryachts from 38 to 93 feet, established Valhalla with the specific aim of earning a dominant position in the center console segment. “Our goal when we started Valhalla Boatworks was to be a dominating force in the center console market, and in the 16 months of production we have delivered more than 90 boats,” said Pat Healey, Viking’s President and CEO, at the official launch of the V-46 in January.
I spent several hours aboard the V-46 at the dock and at speed on the water. Powered by four Mercury Racing 450R supercharged 4.6-liter V-8s, the boat reached a top speed near 60 knots on test. For economical cruising the V-46 recorded 20.8 knots at 3,500 rpm; at 4,500 rpm the boat trimmed into the mid-30s, demonstrating a broad and usable speed band. Handling felt confident and direct — the hull, a double-step tunnel design by Michael Peters Yacht Design, contributes to both performance and a composed ride despite the boat’s size and power.
One of the V-46’s standout features is the attention paid to practical systems installation on an open center console boat. Viking applied its engine-room expertise to create a dry, fully serviceable machinery room beneath the console, accessed through a door in the head. This space houses a diesel generator, raw-water strainer, water heater, house and engine batteries, the bow thruster breaker, freshwater pumps and filters. With roughly 6 feet of headroom, the machinery room makes wiring and component inspection straightforward — a neat, dry, and accessible solution not often seen on center consoles in this size range.
The V-46’s 13’4″ beam gives designers room to build a capacious center console that functions as both helm station and cabin. Headroom is 6’7″ at the cabin entrance and about 5’2″ over the seating area. The cabin features a synthetic teak sole, a dinette that converts to a queen berth, a flat-screen TV, a compact galley and an enclosed head — comfortable accommodations for overnighting or extended days on the water.
The air-conditioned helm is well laid out with a black acrylic raised panel accommodating three Garmin displays, engine instruments and Boca Tech accessory switches. A faux-teak helm pod with an Edson carbon-fiber steering wheel is flanked by glove boxes that provide access to windlass controls, fuel transfer system controls, livewell pump flow switches and the Optimus Command Boost joystick. Zipwake trim control and the bowthruster joystick sit neatly on the dash for easy reach and clean presentation.
Our test boat included the optional Pro Curve windshield, which follows the console profile and integrates with an in-house molded fiberglass windshield frame built at Viking. Sturdy anodized aluminum supports a fiberglass hardtop and gives the upper structure a seamless, factory-finished appearance. The enclosure delivers a surprisingly quiet environment in the cockpit and helm area, smoothing out wind and engine noise when running at speed.
Two rows of Release Marine helm seats provide comfortable, protected seating beneath the hardtop. The second row, with four seats, is mounted slightly higher to improve sightlines for passengers. The cockpit is designed for both serious fishing and socializing: average cockpit depth is 29 inches, and the reach to the waterline is 36 inches for quick, safe fish releases. Large scuppers and deep gutters drain water efficiently, while the molded non-slip deck material balances grip and comfort underfoot.
Fishing-focused features include rod holders along the coaming and integrated into the mezzanine, multiple tackle storage compartments, two 50-gallon transom livewells and a third livewell beneath the bow lounge. Four insulated, overboard-draining fish boxes provide ample space for iced catch. Convenience and comfort options include a Seakeeper gyro stabilizer, a hullside boarding door, a full-length coaming bolster and a bow lounge with a raised access platform to the anchor locker and windlass.
The V-46 is a carefully thought-out design that maximizes every foot for safety, convenience and style. From the transom bustle to the faux teak detailing on the toe rail, the boat presents a finished, purposeful look that fits its role as a high-performance luxury center console.
Specifications
LOA: 46’7”
Beam: 13’4”
Draft (engines down): 3’6”
Weight (full load): 27,217 lbs.
Fuel: 694 gals.
Power: (4) Mercury 450Rs
Price: $1,212,000
This article was originally published in the May 2021 issue.